Manchester United's John O'Shea with the Premier League trophy. Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he will name utility man John O'Shea in his starting line-up for next week's Champions League final, calling the Republic of Ireland international a "fantastic, top professional".

O'Shea has filled in at right-back this season because of injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville and the United manager said he was keen to reward the 28-year-old's unstinting service with a starting spot against Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday.

"He can play anywhere for me: all along the back four, midfield – he's even played in goal for a short period – and because of injuries to Gary and Wes he's been a permanent fixture," said Ferguson. "He takes his place in Rome because he deserves it, because he is ahead of everyone now. He is a fantastic, top professional."

However Ferguson also floated the possibility of Rio Ferdinand being left out of the starting line-up for the final, suggesting the defender may have to prove his fitness in United's last Premier League match against Hull City on Sunday. Ferdinand has missed United's last three matches since sustaining a calf injury in the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Arsenal at the Emirates at the start of May.

"I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday – if not he is doubtful for Wednesday that is for sure," said the United manager. "I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final because him having not played for three weeks is too much.

"The plan is for him to start training with us tomorrow and once we get football training we will have a better idea of his availability for Sunday. I think he is probably fit to play Wednesday but whether I would start him without a game is another matter."